Happy 2nd Independence Day, Armenia!!

21 years ago today, Armenia gained it’s 2nd independence within a single century.

The Soviet Empire de facto collapsed in August of 1991, after an attempt to stage a coup failed in Moscow. An independence referendum was held in the Republic of Armenia on 21 September 1991, and was to determine if voters were in favour of independence from the Soviet Union. A total of 99.5% of voters voted in favour. Turnout was 95.0%.

However, widespread recognition did not occur until the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. Thus, after 70 years of Soviet ruling Armenia became an independent State. In October 1991, the presidential elections took place in Armenia. Levon Ter-Petrossian became the first popularly elected President in Armenian history.